Rants and Raves: Slow down on interchange, please

RANT: For the dangerous, and often deadly, role that excessive speed plays in accidents at the I-85/I-65 interchange in Montgomery. The sharply curved ramp is a far from ideal design, but it can be safely negotiated at the proper speed. Drive too fast and it becomes dicey.

The speed limit for the interchange is 35 mph, which is seldom observed by vehicles of any size. For trucks, taking the curve too fast is especially dangerous.

The hard reality is that any changes in the interchange are unlikely, given the expense and the lack of space for a broader curve. That makes caution and observing the speed limit all the more important. Just slow down, folks.

Good news for bus riders

RAVE: For two recent improvements in Montgomery's bus service. The Montgomery Area Transit System has added 11 new buses to the fleet. The roomier buses replace vehicles that "had reached their useful life," General Manager Kelvin Miller said, and were largely paid for with federal transportation funds.

MATS is also installing 10 new bus shelters around the city, providing riders some welcome protection from the elements.

Do something with beach house

RANT: For the sad decline of the beach house in Gulf Shores the state once maintained for the use of the governor. It hasn't been used in nearly 20 years; it was essentially abandoned after it was damaged by a hurricane in 1997.

The land was donated to the state more than 50 years ago and the beach house was built with private contributions. It has become an eyesore and detracts from other properties nearby. It's long past time the state found some use for the property, which the donation agreement does not permit it to sell, or at least committed to enough renovation and maintenance to keep it from being an embarrassment.

Smith will be missed

RAVE: For the good work and good influence of Rocky Smith, principal of Park Crossing High School, who is leaving to take a job in another school system. (A muted Rant for his departure, however.)

Smith was the first principal of Montgomery's newest high school, and before that was a coach and administrator at two successful magnet high schools, LAMP and Booker T. Washington. He's been a real asset for MPS and will be missed.